OT: Trading

Trading has its advantages -- most notably the opportunity to get collector's
items that can't be found in commercial listings.
Trading also has one significant disadvantage -- the risk of getting something
mislabeled.
Internet connections open up an unprecedented opportunity for trading, but
before the enthusiasm gets out of hand I have two suggestions for "safe
trading":
1. When new acquisitions bloom, check them against catalog pictures and
descriptions, or official registrations, paying special attention to ones
obtained from non-commercial sources. (If you don't have a set of checklists,
use some of the money you've saved by trading to buy them.)
2. Double-check iris as they bloom this spring, paying particular attention
to any slated for digging, to be sure you don't pass on an imposter. You may
have grown "Hell's Fire" for umpteen years -- but if it's white with a fiery red
beard you've got a problem!
Sharon McAllister (73372.1745@compuserve.com)
Whose red-black HELL'S FIRE just opened. Hooray!